Poor governance erodes stability, lessons from India’s neighbours
National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Friday underscored the crucial role of governance in nation-building and national security, warning that weak governance structures can lead to political instability and even regime change, as seen in several neighbouring South Asian nations.
Delivering a lecture on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), Doval said that “the power of a nation lies in governance,” adding that good governance enables a country to achieve its goals and meet the aspirations of its people.
“The common man has become more aware, more aspirational, and has higher expectations from the state. The state, in turn, has a vested interest in keeping him satisfied,” Doval said.
He cited the examples of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, where weak governance and institutional decay led to the fall of regimes through non-institutional means. “When governance weakens, public confidence erodes, and nations become vulnerable to instability,” he warned.
Doval highlighted that effective governance depends not just on government structures but also on the strength of the institutions that support them. “Those who build and nurture these institutions are the real nation-builders,” he remarked.
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance model, Doval said India is witnessing an “orbital shift” in its administrative, social, and global outlook. He noted that several institutional reforms have been introduced under the current government to curb corruption and improve efficiency, and hinted that further measures could follow.
He urged civil servants and administrators to maintain clarity of vision during times of change, drawing inspiration from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose leadership was instrumental in integrating over 500 princely states after independence.
“Patel’s vision of an all-India services structure laid the foundation of strong governance,” Doval said, adding that his principles remain relevant for India’s progress and unity.
The NSA also emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment and technological adoption in modern governance. “Empowerment of women is necessary for good governance. It’s not just about laws and systems, but effective implementation,” he said.
Calling for the use of technology to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery, Doval warned that while digital tools strengthen governance, they also bring new security threats such as cyber risks, which must be tackled proactively.
“We must harness technology to protect society while ensuring that governance remains people-centric,” he concluded.
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